See also Warning section.
Before taking warfarin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a bleeding disorder (e.g., hemophilia), recent/current ulcer (e.g., stomach), certain heart diseases (pericarditis, pericardial effusion, bacterial endocarditis), certain brain conditions (cerebrovascular hemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm), recent or planned major surgery/procedure (e.g., brain/eye surgery, lumbar block anesthesia), uncontrolled severe blood pressure (malignant hypertension), certain pregnancy complications (eclampsia, preeclampsia, threatened abortion).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use/abuse, mental/mood disorders (including memory problems), high blood pressure, heart disease (heart failure), high cholesterol/triglycerides, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal disease (including absorption problems), vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swelling of arms/legs (edema), cancer, tumor, radiation therapy, thyroid problems, catheter in your body (e.g., bladder), tissue damage (gangrene, necrosis), recent major injury or surgery, bleeding/blood-clotting problems (e.g., low vitamin K), blood disorders (e.g., anemia, polycythemia), blood vessel disease (e.g., arteriosclerosis, vasculitis), side effect with heparin treatment (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia), family member who did not respond to warfarin treatment.
This medication may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages.
Avoid getting injections into the muscles. If these injections must be given, limit injections to the arms to make it easier to check for bleeding and/or apply pressure bandages.
If you have an illness or infection that causes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 2 days, contact your doctor immediately because these conditions can affect how warfarin works.
It is important that all your doctors and dentists know you take warfarin. Before having surgery or any medical/dental procedures, tell your doctor that you are using this medication.
This medication can cause heavy bleeding. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use great caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters. Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Avoid activities such as contact sports.
If you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to check you.
The Food & Drug Administration has stated that generic warfarin products are interchangeable. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching warfarin products. Be careful not to take more than one medication that contains warfarin unless specifically directed by the doctor or healthcare provider who is monitoring your warfarin treatment.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby. Discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss a plan for managing your condition with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor may switch the type of medication you use during pregnancy.
This medication does not pass into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.